A First Time for Everything

They say there is a first time for everything and grief is no exception. Going through life without someone you love present is one of the hardest things and I think the first year is exceptionally hard because of not only the freshness of the loss, but also the realization that every holiday, season and tradition now has to take place without that loved one. Life goes on, and goodness is that realization hard to reconcile in our hearts that weren't meant to experience the pain of mortality.

As I reflect on how much has changed during this year and the countless way I've been blessed beyond measure, I can't help but find myself floored by God's goodness. How He made Romans 8:28 very real, not only despite but through loss. How He has revealed more of His Fatherly love to me than I can in my finite human nature comprehend. His faithfulness is unparalleled, His presence constant and His daily grace overflowing.

This time last year the Lord gave me Psalm 139 and embedding its words into my heart and mind has been a tremendous source of comfort. Finding assurance in His constant presence--through the good and bad, in the morning and evening, in my thoughts and words--is the most precious gift.

Psalm 139, A Psalm of Intimacy​You have searched me, Lord,and you know me.2 You know when I sit and when I rise;you perceive my thoughts from afar.3 You discern my going out and my lying down;you are familiar with all my ways.4 Before a word is on my tongueyou, Lord, know it completely.5 You hem me in behind and before,and you lay your hand upon me.6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for metoo lofty for me to attain.

Sweet Mimi, you were truly a delight and undoubtedly the best and most loyal friend I've had. The nine years we spent together were a constant source of joy and fellowship and I am beyond grateful for them. Going beyond that though, I am grateful that through the love we had for one another the Lord has been able to love and continue to work, though it is far, far from the same.

Buddy, you hold a dear and precious thought in my heart and always will. Words are inadequate to express...but the One Who is familiar with all of my ways knows. That'll have to be enough because it is more than enough. P.S. Thanks for posing in a eight million photos, you were quite the sport.